Electionshttp://krcc.org
enTop Four Mayoral Candidates Debatehttp://krcc.org/post/top-four-mayoral-candidates-debate
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br />The themes of leadership, cooperation, and transparency resounded through an auditorium at UCCS at a recent mayoral forum, sponsored by local media organizations.&nbsp; Billed as a debate featuring the four leading candidates in this year’s Colorado Springs mayoral race, the 90-minute event covered topics such as transportation and regional collaboration.</p>Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:59:52 +0000Andrea Chalfin32582 at http://krcc.orgTop Four Mayoral Candidates DebateCouncil Candidates Address Questions & Issues at Citizens Project Forumhttp://krcc.org/post/council-candidates-address-questions-issues-citizens-project-forum
<p><br />Ballots are hitting mailboxes in Colorado Springs for April’s municipal election. Voters are being asked to choose a new mayor, as well as a council representative from the city’s northern District 2 and three at-large city council members.<br />Thu, 19 Mar 2015 20:04:53 +0000Andrea Chalfin32263 at http://krcc.orgCouncil Candidates Address Questions & Issues at Citizens Project ForumHickenlooper Wins Re-Electionhttp://krcc.org/post/hickenlooper-wins-re-election
<p></p>Wed, 05 Nov 2014 18:10:49 +0000Bente Birkeland26611 at http://krcc.orgHickenlooper Wins Re-ElectionElection 2014 Rounduphttp://krcc.org/post/election-2014-roundup
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Voters across Colorado cast their final ballots yesterday on state and local issues and candidates.&nbsp;</span></p><p></p>Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:47:08 +0000Andrea Chalfin, Dana Cronin, Grace Hood & Luke Runyon26599 at http://krcc.orgElection 2014 RoundupFinal Debate for Hickenlooper and Beauprez http://krcc.org/post/final-debate-hickenlooper-and-beauprez
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rqqR6cKuBE0" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /><br />With early voting well underway Colorado’s gubernatorial candidates staked out their positions one last time during their 8th and final debate hosted by KCNC channel 4 and Colorado Public Television last Friday night. Among the routine topics – things got heated over the issue of public safety.<br />&nbsp;</p><p></p>Mon, 27 Oct 2014 22:25:00 +0000Bente Birkeland26224 at http://krcc.orgWill Colorado's Growing Latino Voting Bloc Cast Ballots this Midterm Election?http://krcc.org/post/will-colorados-growing-latino-voting-bloc-cast-ballots-midterm-election
<p></p><p>Latinos make up about twenty percent of Colorado’s population and continue to be a highly courted voting bloc during this election. It’s a group that more frequently votes for Democrats, but Latinos also turn out less often in midterm elections, and both political parties face challenges in attracting them.<br />&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>Republicans have long been trying to make inroads with Latino voters, especially in competitive states like Colorado, where a small number of votes could swing key races for the U.S. Senate and Governor.</p><p></p>Thu, 23 Oct 2014 22:42:18 +0000Bente Birkeland26097 at http://krcc.orgWill Colorado's Growing Latino Voting Bloc Cast Ballots this Midterm Election?Amendment 67: 'Personhood' Returns to the Ballothttp://krcc.org/post/amendment-67-personhood-returns-ballot
<p>One of this November’s statewide ballot questions may look familiar to Coloradans. For the third time since 2008, voters will decide the fate of an amendment dealing with the issue of personhood. But this time around supporters are taking a different approach.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>Amendment 67 would change the state’s criminal code and wrongful death act to include the term “unborn human beings” when referring to a “person” or “child.” Backers say it stems from the 2012 case of Heather Surovik, who shares her testimonial on the Personhood USA website…</p>Tue, 21 Oct 2014 21:43:35 +0000Bente Birkeland26013 at http://krcc.orgAmendment 67: 'Personhood' Returns to the Ballot1A - El Paso County Excess Revenuehttp://krcc.org/post/1a-el-paso-county-excess-revenue
<p>Voters in El Paso County are deciding whether or not to allow the county to keep excess revenue for the purpose of supporting parks and open space.</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">The Taxpayers Bill or Rights, or TABOR, stipulates any excess revenue should be returned to residents, unless voters approve a measure allowing the county to put it to other use.</span></p>Tue, 21 Oct 2014 02:46:08 +0000Andrea Chalfin25969 at http://krcc.org1A - El Paso County Excess RevenueAmendment 68: Should Gambling Be Expanded And Taxed For Education Funding?http://krcc.org/post/amendment-68-should-gambling-be-expanded-and-taxed-education-funding
While much of the attention the 2014 election season has been focused on Colorado's Senate and gubernatorial races, voters will also be deciding the fates of four statewide ballot questions. One of those questions seeks to expand gambling at racetracks to help fund K-12 education.<p>If approved, Amendment 68 would allow horse race tracks in Arapahoe, Mesa and Pueblo counties to offer slot machines, roulette, craps, and card games such as blackjack and poker. Arapahoe Park in Aurora is at the center of the campaign.<p>Tue, 21 Oct 2014 00:46:21 +0000Bente Birkeland25968 at http://krcc.orgAmendment 68: Should Gambling Be Expanded And Taxed For Education Funding?Committee Stages 'Chicken Debate' to Urge 5th Congressional Debatehttp://krcc.org/post/committee-stages-chicken-debate-urge-5th-congressional-debate
<p><br />The notion of "political theater" took a different sort of turn on Thursday when the Democratic challenger in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District debated pseudo-chickens.&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Three people dressed in bright yellow chicken suits served as stand-ins for Republican Doug </span>Lamborn<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> at a debate with his Democratic challenger, </span>Irv<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> Halter.&nbsp; The move comes after Halter and others say </span>Lamborn<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> is refusing to debate.</span></p>Fri, 17 Oct 2014 15:00:35 +0000Andrea Chalfin25856 at http://krcc.orgCommittee Stages 'Chicken Debate' to Urge 5th Congressional DebateHickenlooper Points To Successes On Economy, Bipartisanshiphttp://krcc.org/post/hickenlooper-points-successes-economy-bipartisanship
After four years in office Governor John Hickenlooper is facing the toughest campaign of his political career. A recent poll from <em>The Denver Post</em> shows his race against Republican former Congressman Bob Beauprez statistically tied. What's more, Beauprez is also making gains on Hickenlooper in the Denver metro area and in rural Colorado.<p>Fri, 17 Oct 2014 03:10:19 +0000Bente Birkeland25837 at http://krcc.orgHickenlooper Points To Successes On Economy, BipartisanshipBeauprez: 'What I'm Doing Is Standing Up For Colorado'http://krcc.org/post/beauprez-what-im-doing-standing-colorado
Former Republican Congressman Bob Beauprez is facing a close race against Governor John Hickenlooper in his gubernatorial bid. Back in 2006, he made several missteps in his campaign for governor, but in this 2014 run he's run a much tighter ship.<p>Thu, 16 Oct 2014 13:44:33 +0000Bente Birkeland25813 at http://krcc.orgBeauprez: 'What I'm Doing Is Standing Up For Colorado'Hickenlooper, Beauprez Debate in Colorado Springshttp://krcc.org/post/hickenlooper-beauprez-debate-colorado-springs
<p><br />Colorado’s Democratic Governor John Hickenlooper and his Republican challenger Bob Beauprez met for one of their final debates last night at UCCS, sponsored by the school and the Colorado Springs <em>Gazette</em>, <em>Independent</em> and <em>Business Journal</em>.<br />&nbsp;</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Topics included jobs and the economy, energy development, and education. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">One question from the audience focused on climate change and the role people play in it.</span></p>Thu, 16 Oct 2014 06:01:33 +0000Andrea Chalfin25797 at http://krcc.orgHickenlooper, Beauprez Debate in Colorado SpringsCommission, Statehouse Candidates Debate at Citizens Project Voter Forumhttp://krcc.org/post/commission-statehouse-candidates-debate-citizens-project-voter-forum
<p>The <a href="http://www.citizensproject.org">Citizens Project</a> held a General Election voter forum Tuesday night, featuring the race for El Paso County Commissioner District 5, as well as state legislative races for House District 17, House District 18, and Senate District 11. &nbsp;Other candidates for office were also invited to speak at the forum.<br />Wed, 15 Oct 2014 23:13:21 +0000Andrea Chalfin25787 at http://krcc.orgCommission, Statehouse Candidates Debate at Citizens Project Voter ForumBoth Sides Vie For The Youth Vote In Tightly Contested Colorado Senate Racehttp://krcc.org/post/both-sides-vie-youth-vote-tightly-contested-colorado-senate-race
With Colorado's U.S. Senate race too close to call, both parties are on an all-out blitz to court as many voters as they can prior to the November election. The youth vote has traditionally helped Democrats, but Republicans see an opening with national support for President Obama falling among the millennial generation.<p>Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:34:30 +0000Bente Birkeland25533 at http://krcc.orgBoth Sides Vie For The Youth Vote In Tightly Contested Colorado Senate RaceUdall, Gardner Tangle Over Reproductive Rights, D.C. Ties In Denver Post Debatehttp://krcc.org/post/udall-gardner-tangle-over-reproductive-rights-dc-ties-denver-post-debate
Democratic Senator Mark Udall and Republican Congressman Cory Gardner had a spirited debate Tuesday night hosted by <em>The Denver Post</em>. Both candidates are locked in a tight race and both stayed on message in the hour-long debate.<p>Udall attacked Gardner as extreme and out of touch, Gardner criticized Udall for being in lockstep with President Barack Obama.<p>Wed, 08 Oct 2014 16:09:48 +0000Bente Birkeland25508 at http://krcc.orgUdall, Gardner Tangle Over Reproductive Rights, D.C. Ties In Denver Post DebateBuck, Meyers Debate For The Third Time Ahead Of Novemberhttp://krcc.org/post/buck-meyers-debate-third-time-ahead-november
It's a race that is largely flying under the radar in Colorado this election season, owing to what many say is its preordained outcome. Republican Ken Buck and Democrat Vic Meyers, the candidates vying for the open seat in Colorado's vast 4th Congressional District, squared off Wednesday in a debate hosted by Colorado Public Television and CBS 4.<p>This was the third such meeting for the candidates in advance of the mid-terms.<p>Mon, 06 Oct 2014 20:43:36 +0000Bente Birkeland25429 at http://krcc.orgBuck, Meyers Debate For The Third Time Ahead Of NovemberNo Matter How Colorado Votes, GMO Labeling Debate Far From Finishedhttp://krcc.org/post/no-matter-how-colorado-votes-gmo-labeling-debate-far-finished
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Voters in Colorado will decide whether or not they want the state to require labels on foods containing genetically modified ingredients, or </span>GMOs<span style="line-height: 1.5;">. The 2014 ballot measure highlights a much larger national conversation about the safety and prevalence of genetically modified foods.</span><p>If passed, food companies and farmers would need to affix on a food label the text: "Produced with genetic engineering" if the product contains certain genetically modified crops and their derived oils and sugars that end up in processed foods. Those in favor of the proposal, Proposition 105, claim consumers have a right to the information. Those opposed say it amounts to a fear campaign.<p>Thu, 02 Oct 2014 13:51:57 +0000Luke Runyon25261 at http://krcc.orgNo Matter How Colorado Votes, GMO Labeling Debate Far From FinishedIn Colorado's Tight Senate Contest, A Race To Court Women Votershttp://krcc.org/post/colorados-tight-senate-contest-race-court-women-voters
Colorado's U.S. Senate race is a considered by many to be a tossup. Incumbent Senator Mark Udall and Republican Congressman Cory Gardner are trying to win over as many key voting blocs as they can before Election Day – and that includes women.<p>In the previous close Senate contest between appointed Democratic Senator Michael Bennet and Republican Ken Buck, women played a critical role. During the waning days of that 2010 race, Bennet focused his attention on the female vote – and narrowly won. With women making up 51.4 percent of all registered voters in Colorado this election, it's a scenario Democrats are hoping to repeat.<p>Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:45:25 +0000Bente Birkeland24972 at http://krcc.orgIn Colorado's Tight Senate Contest, A Race To Court Women VotersPolls Painting A Confusing Picture Of Colorado Raceshttp://krcc.org/post/polls-painting-confusing-picture-colorado-races
Multiple polls on Colorado's U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races were recently released and there are some different perspectives on where things stand with just seven weeks until the November election.<p>Most polls show the U.S Senate race as being too close to call. <em>The Denver Post</em> recently gave incumbent Democratic Senator Mark Udall a narrow edge over his Republican challenger Congressman Cory Gardner, but within the margin of error. A separate <em>USA Today</em> Poll gives Gardner a one point edge. The most recent Quinnipiac Poll was more of an outlier. It gave Gardner the lead, 48 – 40 over Udall.<p>Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:38:46 +0000Bente Birkeland24799 at http://krcc.orgPolls Painting A Confusing Picture Of Colorado RacesSenator Udall Trails in New Pollhttp://krcc.org/post/senator-udall-trails-new-poll
<p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">A new poll released today from Quinnipiac University shows Democratic Senate incumbent Mark </span>Udall<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> 8 points behind his Republican challenger Congressman Cory Gardner. </span>Bente<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span>Birkeland<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> has more from the state capitol.</span></p><p></p>Thu, 18 Sep 2014 22:53:04 +0000Bente Birkeland24795 at http://krcc.orgSenator Udall Trails in New PollGovernor Trails Beauprez in Quinnipiac Pollhttp://krcc.org/post/governor-trails-beauprez-quinnipiac-poll
<p><br />Less than a week after a <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/election2014/ci_26514601/colorado-governor-hickenlooper-and-beauprez-neck-and-neck" target="_blank"><em>Denver Post</em> poll</a> listed the Governor’s race as too close to call, a new poll out today has Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bob Beauprez ten points ahead of Governor John Hickenlooper. Bente Birkeland has more.</p><p></p>Wed, 17 Sep 2014 22:33:25 +0000Bente Birkeland24753 at http://krcc.orgGovernor Trails Beauprez in Quinnipiac PollCapitol Conversation: Political Debate Season Openshttp://krcc.org/post/capitol-conversation-political-debate-season-opens
<p>Political debate season kicked off in Colorado over the weekend with candidates running for Governor and U.S. senate among those facing off in Grand Junction. Club 20 hosted the debate. As part of our capitol conversation series, Bente&nbsp;Birkeland analyzes the major themes and arguments.<br />&nbsp;</p>Wed, 10 Sep 2014 23:17:31 +0000Bente Birkeland24475 at http://krcc.orgCapitol Conversation: Political Debate Season OpensCapitol Conversation: Oil & Gas Dealshttp://krcc.org/post/capitol-conversation-oil-gas-deals
<p>Now that Governor John Hickenlooper and Democratic Congressman Jared Polis have reached a deal to avoid an expensive fight at the ballot box over oil and gas drilling, Bente Birkeland takes a look at the next steps. She talks to statehouse reporters about what the deal means politically and the likelihood of a legislative compromise succeeding.<br />&nbsp;</p>Fri, 08 Aug 2014 03:28:36 +0000Bente Birkeland23058 at http://krcc.orgCapitol Conversation: Oil & Gas DealsOil & Gas Ballot Fight Avoidedhttp://krcc.org/post/oil-gas-ballot-fight-avoided
<p>Colorado will avoid a costly ballot fight this November over oil and gas drilling. One day after Democratic Congressman Jared Polis said he would pull the two anti-fracking ballot initiatives he’s backing, industry groups are following suit dropping a pair of pro oil and gas proposals. As Bente Birkeland reports, the agreement will still have ramifications for the political season.<br />&nbsp;</p>Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:41:48 +0000Bente Birkeland22951 at http://krcc.orgOil & Gas Ballot Fight AvoidedPersonhood's Third Attempt Seeps Into Colorado's Close Senate Racehttp://krcc.org/post/personhoods-third-attempt-seeps-colorados-close-senate-race
Colorado voters will once again decide on an amendment that would give unborn babies the same constitutional and legal rights as a person. The measure is bringing out some familiar faces – it’s also impacting one of the closest U.S. Senate races in the country.<p>Fri, 01 Aug 2014 04:50:55 +0000Bente Birkeland22743 at http://krcc.orgPersonhood's Third Attempt Seeps Into Colorado's Close Senate RaceStumping For Beauprez, Christie Stands Firm On Colorado Pothttp://krcc.org/post/stumping-beauprez-christie-stands-firm-colorado-pot
While campaigning for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Beauprez, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie refused to back down from his <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2014/04/chris-christie-marijuana-colorado-pot-105888.html" target="_blank">comments made earlier in 2014</a>, criticizing Colorado’s quality of life after legalizing recreational marijuana.<p>“We’ve got to stop in public life worrying about making everybody happy and faking it, like we’re going to agree all the time,” said Christie.<p>Wed, 23 Jul 2014 22:25:02 +0000Bente Birkeland22382 at http://krcc.orgStumping For Beauprez, Christie Stands Firm On Colorado PotMaketa Recall Effort Failshttp://krcc.org/post/maketa-recall-effort-fails
<p>Embattled El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa will not face a recall election in November.&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Organizers of the effort had until 1:00 Saturday to turn in the more than 44,000 signatures needed for the recall. </span></p>Sat, 12 Jul 2014 20:31:01 +0000Andrea Chalfin & AP21860 at http://krcc.orgMaketa Recall Effort FailsCapitol Conversation: After the Primarieshttp://krcc.org/post/capitol-conversation-after-primaries
<p>After last week’s primary elections in Colorado, Bente&nbsp;Birkeland&nbsp;sat down with other statehouse reporters to talk about the Governor’s race and to analyze the upcoming political season.<br />&nbsp;</p>Mon, 30 Jun 2014 18:00:39 +0000Bente Birkeland21251 at http://krcc.orgCapitol Conversation: After the PrimariesQ & A with GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Bob Beauprezhttp://krcc.org/post/q-gop-gubernatorial-nominee-bob-beauprez
<p>In one of his first interviews since winning the GOP nod to challenge Governor John Hickenlooper, Bob Beauprez sat down with Bente Birkeland to discuss some of the key issues in the campaign. The Catholic former congressman explains his support for the death penalty, and why he decided to run for Governor after losing his gubernatorial race in 2006 by double digits.<br />&nbsp;</p>Thu, 26 Jun 2014 13:33:00 +0000Bente Birkeland21058 at http://krcc.orgQ & A with GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Bob Beauprez